BFI IMAX
Theater Large IMAX cinema within London's Southbank Centre
BFI IMAX at Waterloo houses the UK’s largest cinema screen, screening documentary and blockbuster films in IMAX format within the British Film Institute complex near the South Bank.
BFI IMAX is a large-format cinema located at the BFI Southbank complex on London’s South Bank, showing IMAX and large-format films with immersive sound and projection. The auditorium is designed for large-screen film presentation and is used for documentary features, 3D screenings and special events.
The cinema is sited alongside other cultural institutions on the South Bank, close to the River Thames and major pedestrian routes and public-transport connections. It functions as a dedicated venue for large-format cinematic experiences rather than a multi-screen commercial multiplex.
- Access: Located within the BFI Southbank complex on the South Bank, with Waterloo and Southwark stations within easy walking distance for public transport.
How to Get to BFI IMAX #
BFI Southbank sits on Belvedere Road beside Waterloo Bridge. From Waterloo Station (a 7-10 minute walk), head northwest across the station forecourt toward the South Bank. The nearest Underground stations are Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, Waterloo & City) and Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, Circle, District). Several bus routes stop along the South Bank.
Tips for Visiting BFI IMAX #
- Book tickets in advance for blockbuster screenings and weekend evenings; the IMAX often sells out.
- Choose seats in the central upper rows for the best IMAX field of view; front-row seats can be overwhelming.
- Arrive at BFI Southbank at least 20 minutes before showtime - the queue for the IMAX can form even when the box office is quiet.
Best Time to Visit BFI IMAX #
Any time - check film listings and book ahead for popular releases.
Weather & Climate near BFI IMAX #
BFI IMAX's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (644 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.